On July 15, 2023, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of southern Alaska, centered 106 kilometers south of Sand Point. The earthquake triggered a tsunami advisory for coastal areas, including Kodiak Island, the Alaska Peninsula, and the Aleutian Islands. The advisory was canceled an hour later after the threat had passed. The earthquake was felt widely throughout the region, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. This is the latest in a series of strong earthquakes hitting the Alaska region in recent months. The earthquake is the strongest to hit the region since 1964, when a 9.2 magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami that killed over 130 people.
The earthquake serves as a reminder of the potential for natural disasters in Alaska. Residents should be prepared for earthquakes and tsunamis, having a plan in place in case of an emergency. Safety tips for earthquakes and tsunamis include knowing your evacuation zone, having a plan for what to do if caught in an earthquake, dropping, covering, and holding on, staying away from the coast during a tsunami warning, and listening to local officials for instructions. By following these safety tips, residents can help protect themselves and their families in the event of an earthquake or tsunami.